fully funded phd in health communication

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PhD Program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

The PhD program provides training for the next generation of scientists in speech, language, and hearing sciences. You will receive world-class training from leading experts in outstanding research facilities. The program includes several major research-focused milestones that help you craft a professional portfolio to prepare you for teaching and research in academic settings.

Program Highlights

• Faculty engage graduate scholars in a variety of topics covering interdisciplinary research on normative and disordered processes in speech, language, voice, swallowing and hearing.
• As a PhD student, you will be  fully funded  (for the first four years of your degree) through a variety of sources, including individual fellowships (at the university and national level), two NIH training grants, research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Additional years of funding are dependent on successful progress towards degree, and availability of funds. You will receive individually tailored training, and students from our program have an exemplary history of moving into impactful research-oriented and academic careers.
• We are committed to ensuring an encouraging, supportive, collaborative and inclusive environment for our PhD students to thrive as members of the broader academic community.

Research Areas

• Hearing science; hearing disorders
• Language science; language disorders and disabilities
• Speech, swallowing, and voice science; speech, swallowing and voice disorders

Potential Careers

Graduates of our PhD program may have any of the following careers:

• Positions as faculty members at academic institutions/higher education universities .
• Research scientists in medical or research centers and/or industry.
• Positions as directors/leaders in clinical or research centers in academia, healthcare or industry.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Doctoral

Program Length : 4-5 years (for students with a master’s degree or higher) — students can also apply with bachelor’s degree

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

To learn more about our department’s PhD program and see sample course plans, please read our PhD program handbook .

Get to know our program through virtual information sessions

In the speech, language, and hearing sciences PhD program, you will have opportunities to work with multiple faculty members with compatible research interests — including colleagues from other departments — to investigate disorders related to speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance.

• Joshua Alexander
• Arielle Borovsky
• Françoise Brosseau-Lapré
• Alexander Francis
• Michael Heinz
• Natalya Kaganovich
• Brandon Keehn
• David Kemmerer
• Ravi Krishnan
• Arianna LaCroix
• Laurence B. Leonard
• Georgia Malandraki
• Allison Schaser
• Maureen Shader
• Preeti Sivasankar
• Elizabeth Strickland
• Ronnie Wilbur

Admissions/Requirements

If you are thinking of applying to the speech, language, and hearing sciences PhD program at Purdue, we strongly recommend you contact prospective advisors/ faculty before starting the application process.

If you are applying only for the PhD program, please submit all materials via the Purdue Online Application system .

Application Materials to be Submitted Online

• Statement of Purpose.
• Curriculum Vita.  This is an optional field in the application system but is recommended by the department.
• Writing sample. (Optional, submit under Supporting Documents)
• List of 3 recommenders. 
• Application fee . ( Application Fee Information )
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended . Please upload copies of your official transcripts to the application system. The Purdue Graduate School will use these documents for admission purposes. International transcripts must be uploaded or submitted in their original form and in translation, along with copies of any diplomas awarded. Any transcripts sent electronically through an approved e-service (e-SCRIP, etc) must be sent to the Graduate School at  [email protected] . This delays the receipt of the transcript to the department, so uploaded copies of official documents or official hard copies are preferred. Please send any paper transcripts to the  SLHS Graduate Program Secretary .
• For those whose first language is not English, we require official test scores less than 2 years old  from one of the following: TOEFL iBT or IELTS.

PLEASE NOTE: GRE scores are no longer being required for the SLHS PhD program.

Guide to Writing a Statement of Purpose

Below are some helpful hints about writing a statement of purpose to accompany your graduate school application.

• The individuals reading your application for the PhD program will want to know how you can contribute to the program. Therefore, the focus should be on how you’ve spent your time as an undergraduate and/or graduate student preparing for your PhD journey.
• Do not include too much personal information. You need to prepare a professional document — something that will convince the admissions committee that you are serious about doing PhD-level work. Anecdotes about how you got interested in the field or how you’ve always wanted to help people or make a difference are not a good idea.
• The document should be well-written, concise and free of typos. A sloppy document will send the wrong kind of message (e.g., it might send a signal to the admissions committee that you’ll be just as sloppy about your graduate work).
• If you can, be specific about how you fit into the program — in other words, tailor it to the school. Talk about the work of specific professors at the university to which you are applying. This provides yet another way to demonstrate your professional maturity.

Applications for International Students

To be eligible for departmental funding as a PhD student, all international applicants must meet the following department standards:

• English proficiency test scores are required of all international applicants whose first language is not English.
• TOEFL iBT: a minimum total score of 100 with minimum individual scores of 28 for speaking, 22 for writing, 22 for listening and 22 for reading.
• IELTS: a minimum score of 7.5 with no single band score lower than 7.0.

International transcripts must be uploaded or submitted in their original form and in translation, along with copies of any diplomas awarded.  Please send any paper transcripts to the SLHS Graduate Secretary .

Interviews for Admission

All prospective PhD applicants will be interviewed prior to admission. The applicants will be contacted by the department for the scheduled interview.

Application Deadlines

• January 1 (fall admission) and August 1 (spring admission)

Program Director

Dr. Beth Strickland is the graduate chair and PhD program director in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS). Professor Strickland has been in this role for four years and has been a faculty member in SLHS since 1995. She is also the director of one of our two NIH T32 training grants that support PhD students and postdoctoral scientists. She has a long history of mentoring graduate students and research trainees in the department and is the 2023 recipient of the HHS Outstanding Mentor Award and Provost’s Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentor. Her research is on behavioral measures of hearing, particularly those that may reflect the processing of the peripheral auditory system.

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Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences PhD

The PhD degree offers advanced study for students pursuing a research career in academic, industry, government or other laboratory settings

The PhD program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) offers advanced study and research training for students who will become leading scientists and scholars. Research in the program concerns all aspects of human communication including studies of speech, language, and hearing in individuals with and without communication disorders.

As part of training the next generation of scientists in speech, language, and hearing, the SLHS PhD program offers the opportunity for additional specialization in allied fields (e.g., cognitive neuroscience, systems neuroscience, psychology, and engineering). There are also opportunities for collaborative training at the UTSW Medical Center. State-of-the-art research and clinical facilities are housed in both the urban and suburban Callier Centers for Communication Disorders. The Callier clinics see over 4000 different patients annually and thus afford the opportunity for training in clinical and translational research. PhD students are fully funded for up to 5 years, with training that incorporates research milestones, including opportunities and support for extramural grant proposals. UTD boasts a supportive and inclusive environment for students and faculty, as well as opportunities to conduct research incorporating diverse populations and themes.

Doctoral students in the SLHS program work closely with their research mentors and other faculty throughout the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) to tailor their research experiences and course selections to ensure optimal preparation in their areas of interest. Areas of doctoral study encompass the physiological, neurological, and psychological aspects of communication as well as the identification, treatment, and prevention of developmental and acquired communication disorders. SLHS is integrated with the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, with the Callier Clinical Research Center providing a link across research and clinical arms. This relationship affords the implementation of a wide array of clinical and translational research projects. Our close relationship with UT Southwestern Medical Center also allows for close clinical collaboration with medical colleagues.

Areas of programmatic strength include the neurobiology of language, speech, and hearing; assessment methods and diagnostic markers of communication disorders; and innovative treatments and technological supports for people with communication disorders. Within these broad areas, specific research opportunities cover the breadth of the field including basic, clinical, and translational research related to autism, developmental language disorder (DLD), motor speech disorders in children and adults, language learning and poverty, language production and music, brain disease and semantic memory, voice disorders, noise- and drug-induced hearing disorders, tinnitus, hyperacusis and auditory rehabilitation using wireless listening devices, hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Students in the doctoral program benefit from the school’s rich intellectual climate, including weekly lectures and research presentations by students, faculty and visiting scholars. BBS hosts an annual colloquium series presented by internationally known scientists. In addition, the school’s centers and programs offer diverse symposia and workshops that are freely available to doctoral students. All events are posted on the BBS events page . SLHS students routinely attend the Callier Center Friday Seminars in Speech, Language, and Hearing (FLASH), which offers doctoral students the opportunity to gather with faculty, post-doctoral scholars and clinicians to present research at all phases of development and to learn from scientists exploring diverse speech, language, and hearing topics.

The SLHS PhD program is housed within exceptional research facilities at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders , which has locations on both the Richardson campus and in Dallas adjacent to the UT Southwestern Medical School campus. Both Callier Center locations house state-of-the-art laboratories for behavioral, kinematic, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging studies of speech, language, and hearing in typical and clinical populations of all ages. The Callier Clinical Research Center provides additional core research space and equipment that is available to be reserved for faculty and student research projects.

Each year, the Callier Center serves more than four thousand patients with speech, language or hearing disorders, and Callier-Dallas is home to a nationally accredited child development program for infants and preschoolers. Via an active Research Participant Registry, scientists are provided access to participants within the normal range of function and participants diagnosed with speech, language, hearing, or other disorders affecting communication ability.

Through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics, as well as collaborative arrangements with the UT Southwestern Medical Center, SLHS doctoral students have additional access to laboratories equipped for studies of the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and neurochemical bases of hearing and access to additional participant populations.

Degree Requirements

Program completion typically takes four to five years.

All PhD students are required to complete a minimum of 75 semester credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students in the SLHS PhD program complete a proseminar with other BBS PhD students, research design and analysis coursework, and doctoral seminars that provide comprehensive exposure to methods and questions within speech, language, and hearing areas. In addition, SLHS students complete doctoral seminars in speech, language, and hearing as well as neuroscience, psychology, or child development courses where additional methodological or theoretical training is relevant. The SLHS curriculum helps students not only obtain deep knowledge within their dissertation area but also broadly prepare for multi-disciplinary research and collaboration through exposure to the breadth of the profession.

During the first two years of the program, each student works closely with the faculty mentor in designing and completing an empirical research project and preparing a manuscript for peer review. In the third year, students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully defending a proposal for their dissertation, an independent and original research project conducted under faculty supervision. Students also complete a grant writing course and prepare a research grant during the third year. Successful public defense of the completed dissertation during year 4 or 5 is the final step in attaining the doctoral degree.

The UT Dallas graduate catalog provides information on degree requirements for the PhD program in SLHS and the PhD student guide provides additional detailed information. For questions about degree requirements, please contact [email protected] . The university’s course look-up site, CourseBook , describes some of the program’s specific courses. The Office of Graduate Studies provides information on academic and other policies .

The PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is a research degree. It is essential that there is a close match between a student’s research interests and the faculty’s expertise. Prospective students should contact faculty with whom they might share research interests. The SLHS admissions committee evaluates applications based on the personal statement, letters of recommendation, prior research and professional experiences, prior GPA, GRE scores, commitment to scholarship, and the availability of faculty mentoring in the stated area of interest.

Completion of an undergraduate degree in a related major is often helpful but is not required. Completion of a clinical degree (e.g., master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Doctor of Audiology) is not required. Students who are currently enrolled in UTD AuD or SLP MS programs should consult with both their AuD or SLP program head and the PhD program head regarding application to the PhD program after completion of clinical experiences.

Students who enter the PhD program and later decide they wish to pursue clinical education will need to consult the AuD or SLP program head regarding the admissions process; the clinical education programs are highly competitive. PhD students may need to take a leave of absence from the PhD program during clinical foundation years and full-time clinical assignments (e.g., the CFY).

The Application Deadline is December 1

Please see the graduate admission page of the UT Dallas Office of Admission and Enrollment for details on how to submit an application to the PhD program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences .

Completed applications must be received on or before  December 1  for admission the following fall. SLHS does not have spring or summer admissions.

Applications to the PhD program must include official transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of reference from people qualified to evaluate your potential for successful doctoral study, and a statement of purpose detailing your previous research and professional experiences, your current research interests and your career goals. Applicants who wish to be considered for the BBS Scholars Award are required to submit an additional essay.

International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE meeting university minimum requirements . See the list of countries that are exempt from this requirement.

You can check the status of your application using the University’s Orion program .

Questions about the application process can be directed to:

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Doctoral Program School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR41 Richardson, TX 75080 [email protected]

Financial Aid

Financial support of full-time doctoral students enrolled in the SLHS PhD program is awarded through teaching or research assistantship stipends and tuition scholarships. Admitted students are automatically considered for these sources of financial aid. In addition to the salary and tuition and fee scholarship, UT Dallas will provide the cost of health coverage purchased through the university student health insurance program.

Other information on financial aid for graduate students is available on the UT Dallas graduate admissions page.

Funding & Awards

SLHS students complete a grant writing course and write a grant as part of their PhD program. SLHS students have been successful in obtaining external funding.

SLHS students routinely present their research at conferences and many SLHS students have received awards in recognition of their meritorious research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Financial support of full-time doctoral students in speech, language, and hearing sciences is awarded through teaching or research assistantships which include a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver. Admitted students are automatically considered for these sources of financial support. Please see the UT Dallas Graduate Admissions site for information on other sources of financial aid for PhD students.

The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the  top 30 in the nation for ethnic diversity . Total enrollment at UT Dallas is approximately 30,000, with more than 8,000 graduate students. UT Dallas’ main campus is in Richardson, Texas, about 15 miles north of downtown Dallas; some of the centers affiliated with UT Dallas are located in Dallas, near the campus of the UT Southwestern Medical School. Both Richardson and Dallas are vibrant communities, with opportunities for art, drama, music, athletics and other activities. Visit the UT Dallas visitors website for more information about the University.

Richardson and Dallas are diverse cities located in one of America’s largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas. The Dallas area boasts 50,000 acres of public park land, the nation’s largest urban arts district with excellent symphony, opera, and art museums, five professional sports franchises, multiple entertainment districts, and a thriving culinary scene. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail system runs from the suburbs of Plano and Richardson to the arts district, downtown Dallas, and DFW airport. Yes, it is hot in the summer, but the average daily temperature is 65 degrees (spring, fall, and winter are great!). The area offers a reasonable cost of living and an abundance of sunshine.

Some doctoral classes are held on the main UT Dallas campus in Richardson; other classes may be held in Dallas, at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, the Center for Brain Health, or the Center for Vital Longevity. Your duties as a teaching assistant or research assistant may take place on the main campus in Richardson or at one of the centers in Dallas, and locations of classes and duties may change over semesters.

Many students choose to live in areas between Richardson and Dallas for easy access to both Richardson and Dallas facilities. Public transportation is available, but most students find a car to be extremely helpful.

Student housing is available on the main campus in Richardson, including apartments that are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and limited family housing for students with spouses and children. You can use online search engines to find housing options that fit your price range and target location. The program office can also provide information and recommendations from current doctoral students.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors before applying. The fit between the research interests of the applicant and faculty – and the willingness and ability of the proposed mentor or mentoring team to accept new PhD student supervision responsibilities – is very important for the success of the applicant within any graduate program. In addition, the admissions committee evaluates applications on several dimensions, including prior GPA and GRE scores, letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Completed applications are reviewed by the admissions committee in December, and interviews are scheduled in January and/or February. Interviews may be scheduled via a video conferencing platform. Admissions decisions are made based on application materials, interviews, input from potential mentors, and availability of funding. Students offered admission to UTD are invited to visit UT Dallas to meet with prospective faculty mentors and to tour the facilities. Remote open house events are also used as needed to provide information to applicants. 

Yes. We strongly encourage you to identify faculty who share your research interests and to contact them about current opportunities for admission. 

Admissions decisions are made mid- to late February.

Around 25 to 30 students are typically enrolled in the speech, language, and hearing sciences PhD program at any one time. The program includes three tracks (speech science, language science and hearing science) and the number of students admitted into each track varies as a function of student interests, mentor availability and funding for student support.

Although many students have a background in speech, language, and hearing sciences, the program welcomes students from a variety of related fields including psychology, linguistics, biology, and engineering. Some students enter directly from their undergraduate program, while others join following completion of a masters degree or clinical doctorate, or after several years of professional experience.

Our graduates are prepared to advance the field within diverse work settings. Over the last seven years, SLHS graduates have gone on to post-doctoral, tenure-track, or clinical or research faculty positions at universities, hospitals and industry settings. 

Our Speech, Language, and Hearing Science PhD program is physically housed in the renowned Callier Center for Communication Disorders, which has locations in Richardson and Dallas. The Callier Center houses state-of the-art research space in addition to its comprehensive patient care facilities and classroom and conference spaces. Together, our doctoral program offers rich opportunities for collaboration with clinicians committed to evidence-based patient care and a large cohort of clinician scientists interested in normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing. In addition to dedicated laboratories managed by principal investigators with diverse interests, PhD students have access to fully equipped Research Core facilities and receive training with diverse technologies housed in the Callier Clinical Research Center (CCRC). Recruitment of participants is facilitated by the CCRC research registry, which automatically registers all Callier patients for recruitment into relevant research studies (with an opt-out option for patients who do not wish to be contacted).

Faculty associated with the Speech, Language, and Hearing Science PhD program are outstanding mentors who help students develop individualized educational programs consistent with their overall interests and goals. Faculty mentor student publications and student grants as part of the PhD program milestone plan.

The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences is unique in its multi-disciplinary integration of Neuroscience, Psychology, Child Development, and Speech, Language, and Hearing. This combination facilitates unique expertise, such as in the neurobiology of speech, language, and hearing and the psychosocial impact of communication disorders, and lifespan brain and behavioral development. Students enrolled in the PhD program in speech, language, and hearing sciences routinely complete doctoral coursework associated with the graduate programs in cognition and neuroscience and psychology and often have mentors from these programs who contribute to breadth of experience. Students can study communication disorders using the techniques and instrumentation of cognitive neuroscience and developmental psychology, and work with bioengineers in the development of assistive technology.

The SLP master’s degree and AuD programs provide clinical training for certification and licensure in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. The PhD program provides research immersion for students who are interested in academic and other research careers in speech, language, and hearing sciences. The PhD degree at UT Dallas is not an advanced clinical degree.

Students who are enrolled in MS or AuD clinical education programs often become interested in academic or research careers as they learn the current boundaries of clinical knowledge. Students enrolled in clinical degree programs are eligible to apply for admission to the PhD program after completion of core clinical coursework and should contact the PhD program head for additional information. Applicants who have completed clinical education prior to PhD program admission are encouraged to apply.

Program Contacts

Program head.

Edward Lobarinas, PhD [email protected]

Program Mailing Address

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Doctoral Program School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR41 Richardson, TX 75080 [email protected]

PhD Student Guide

The PhD student guide provides information on policies and procedures in the PhD programs in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

PhD Student Forms and Information

Degree Plan Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Registration and Related Forms Graduate Change of Program Register, Add, Drop, Withdraw Repeated Course Grade Adjustment Transfer of Credit Request

Milestones and Annual Reporting Forms Milestones Agreement Form Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Annual Report Doctoral Student Feedback Form Request for Extension Year 1 Prospectus Year 1 Proposal Year 2 Project Manuscript Proposal Grant Application Public Presentation of Research Project

Dissertation Committee Appointment Form Dissertation Proposal Meeting Public Presentation of Dissertation Proposal Request for Final Oral Exam In Absentia Registration Memo – Absent Committee Member Memo – Committee Member Attending Remotely Checklist for Final Submission of Doctoral Dissertation UTDPP1052

Teaching and Research Assistantship Forms and FAQs UTDPP1075

Requests for Student Travel and Dissertation Support Student Request for Travel Support PhD Research Small Grants Program Application

Program Resources

Please visit the Office of Graduate Studies for additional information on academic policies , PhD deadlines , PhD forms , guidelines for preparing dissertations , and a profile of characteristics of doctoral programs at UT Dallas.

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Connect With Us

Mailing Address

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences GR41 | 800 W Campbell Road | Richardson, TX 75080-3021

30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it provides full funding to "virtually all admitted students." This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments and comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student's cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes "a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support and up to four years of teaching assistantships," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university's student medical insurance plan. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

All students admitted to the University of Virginia 's Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

At the University of Maryland 's Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master's degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master's degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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Communication, PhD

Annenberg is interdisciplinary by design. Members of the faculty and students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including Communication, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, History, and Law. Students are also encouraged to supplement their Communication courses with those offered through one of Penn’s 11 other distinguished schools. The result is a vibrant intellectual experience that trains students to apply and adapt diverse theories and methods to the cutting-edge communication issues of the twenty-first century.

All doctoral students are fully funded for up to five years, including tuition and fees, health care, teaching and research fellowships, and dissertation research fellowships. All students also receive yearly research and travel funds, allowing them to develop their research and present it at major national and international conferences. In addition to formal classes, students are able to work with faculty on grant-and center-supported projects, attend and participate in frequent colloquia and workshops, and engage in research and learning opportunities around the globe — all designed to enhance their intellectual growth and professional training.

Annenberg alumni go on to productive and fulfilling careers in academia as well as in research-oriented private and public-sector institutions.

The Annenberg Ph.D. program represents a five-year commitment. In addition to satisfactory completion of the core courses, all students are required to take a noncredit proseminar as well as introductory classes in research methods and statistics. In order to progress to dissertation stage, candidates must  complete the following milestones: Qualifications Evaluation, Comprehensive Exams, and Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defense.

For more information: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/academics/graduate-program

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses 

All Ph.D. students must take at least one separate class with each of at least five different members of the ASC standing faculty. The intent of this is to foster students’ knowledge of a diverse range of approaches to communication.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

​​​​A typical course plan for a student entering the program without a Master’s degree includes these components:

• Seven semesters of courses, typically three courses per semester
• A Qualifications Evaluation (see below) at the end of semester 4
• A dissertation proposal defense in semester 8
• Dissertation research in semesters 8 through 10
• Dissertation defense and graduation at the end of semester 10

Program Milestones

• Qualifications Evaluation  (QE) is a review conducted to ensure doctoral students have the requisite skills, creativity, initiative, and plans to successfully complete their degree, including their dissertation. The QE must be completed at the end of the semester during which the student accumulates 12 classes (at least eight of which must be acquired at Penn) toward the degree, but no earlier than the end of the first year.
• Comprehensive Exams:  In order to advance to candidacy, become eligible to defend the dissertation proposal and to receive a dissertation research fellowship (DRF), students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination. These exam cover theory, methods and research in the student’s field of expertise. 
• Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defense:  Before becoming eligible for a dissertation research fellowship and beginning work on the dissertation, the student must submit and defend a proposal for dissertation research to his or her Dissertation Committee. The proposal is a full statement of the research problem, including its theoretical rationale and methodology. 

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Mass Communications Ph.D.

Our fully-funded, interdisciplinary doctoral program will prepare you for a rewarding career in communications research and teaching.

Our program offers a stimulating intellectual environment where you may explore and specialize in a variety of topics, including media ethics and diversity; media sociology; new media; political communication; popular television; public relations; or social effects.

The doctoral program is designed to be completed in four years, with two years of coursework followed by qualifying exams and the dissertation.

Regina Luttrell

Associate dean, research and creative activity, associate professor, public relations, co-director, real chemistry emerging insights lab.

Anne Osborne

Doctoral program, media studies, communications.

Kristen Northrop

Assistant director.

Jenn Yoshioka

Administrative specialist.

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Indiana University Indianapolis

Department of communication studies.

Ph.D. in Health Communication

Preparing you for teaching and research in health and interpersonal relationships.

Choosing to pursue a doctorate in the Health Communications program will prepare you for teaching and research in the areas of health and interpersonal relationships, intercultural health, and mediated communication in healthcare contexts. You will be prepared to tackle the development of healthcare campaigns as well as the ethical questions surrounding the communication of healthcare messaging. Your coursework will prepare you to engage with clinical problems affected by communication and develop your ability to translate research into practice, putting you in a prime position for advanced work in academic and healthcare professions.

Course Requirements

IU requires a minimum of 90 credit hours of approved graduate coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree.

A maximum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate work completed with a grade of B or better may be transferred with the approval of the advisory committee and the Dean of the University Graduate School.

All coursework taken for the Ph.D. must be completed within seven years prior to the passing of qualifying exams, including any transfer courses. Coursework that does not meet this criterion may be revalidated.

Overall, the requirements include core courses (15 credit hours), seminars in content areas focused on (but not limited to) interpersonal relationship communication, intercultural communication, mediated/campaign communication (at least 15 credit hours), minor (9-12 credit hours), field work/research (6-9 credit hours), and dissertation credits (12 credit hours).

Students may select from the courses offered within Communication Studies.  In addition, other cross-listed seminars from affiliated faculty in departments or programs such as the International Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC).  Medical Humanities, Medical Sociology, and other health-related areas may count toward the student’s degree with approval from the student’s advisor.

Minor Area of Emphasis (9-12 credit hours):

All students must complete a minor in an area related to their primary health communication focus. The minor area of emphasis must be approved by the student’s advisor and advisory committee and contain a minimum of three graduate level courses (9 credit hours) in accordance with the department or unit in which the minor is housed. Some departments require a 12-credit hour minor.

Comprehensive Examinations:

All students must take written examinations that cover both broad knowledge of the health communication field as well as specialized knowledge of a chosen area of health communication. Comprehensive exams are taken after the student has completed a minimum of 39 credit hours (beyond the Master’s) including the required core, seminars, and minor coursework.

Fieldwork /Research (up to 9 credit hours):

All students are required to initiate or participate in original research with the approval of advisor. This field/research work is geared to focus the student’s research interest to serve as a springboard for the dissertation work.

Ph.D. Dissertation (up to 12 credit hours):

Dissertation credits are structured so that the student is unencumbered with completing coursework and can focus completely on conducting research and writing the dissertation for completion of the degree.

Core Courses

COMM-C 500 Advanced Communication Theory (3) COMM-C 504 Pro-Seminar in Communication Graduate Studies (3) COMM-C 592 Advanced Health Communication (3) COMM-C 680 Doctoral Qualitative Research Methods (3) COMM-C 690 Doctoral Quantitative Methods (3) COMM-C 695 Seminar in Communication and Healthcare (3) Seminars in Content Areas (at least 15 credit hours)

Admission Requirements:

Required coursework:.

Students entering the program must have at least a Master’s degree (minimum of 30 credit hours) in Communication or a related social science or health discipline.

Preference will be given to those students with degrees from communication studies programs.

Students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their Master’s coursework.

Students are expected to have taken some foundational coursework in Communication. For students entering the program with no background in Communication, additional preparatory coursework in the discipline may be required as a condition of admission.

Required Testing

Beginning in 2021, interested applicants are no longer required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Revised General Test (Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing).  Applicants may still want to submit their GRE scores to be considered in their application, and they may do so.

Successful candidates typically have scores between 150-170 in Verbal Reasoning and in Quantitative Reasoning and a score between 4.0-6.0 in Analytical Writing.

In addition, non-native English speakers who did not complete a degree at a college or university in the U.S. must take an English competency test. The student may complete either of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The expectation for admission is a minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL iBT (internet based test). Please note that this score represents the minimum that will be considered. In practice, we look for scores above 100.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5; in practice, we look for an IELTS of 7 or more. It is required that applicants take the academic reading and writing modules, not the general training reading and writing modules. Please note that this score represents the minimum that will be considered. In practice, we look for scores above 7.

Additional Required Materials

• A written statement of purpose for entering this Ph.D. program
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals in professional positions able to judge success
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate and undergraduate transcripts
• A writing sample demonstrating academic writing ability

Undergraduate Record

Graduate School requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a scale of 4, and a minimum 3.0 average in the major field.

Applications will be viewed in their entirety. A candidate’s outstanding qualifications in one area can be balanced against more marginal qualifications in another dimension. Keep in mind that admission is competitive and financial support even more competitive. Most of the students admitted and supported will exceed the minimal requirements

Contact Kim White-Mills , Director of PhD Program and PhD Minors.

Related Links

• Master of Arts in Applied Communication
• Graduate Minor in Communicating Science
• PhD Minor in Health Communication
• Meet Our Doctoral Students
• Scholarships

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Doctorate in Communication

With one of the nation's premier doctoral programs in Communication, the Annenberg School is a tight-knit, supportive community of scholars committed to advancing knowledge of our media environment.

Founded through the generosity and vision of publisher, diplomat, and philanthropist Walter Annenberg, the Annenberg School for Communication is devoted to furthering our understanding of the role of communication in public life through research, education, and service. Our five-year doctoral program has a strong reputation as one of the best in Communication, based on Annenberg’s unparalleled combination of world-class faculty , students , and alumni , as well as access to the larger intellectual and cultural resources of the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia .

In an inherently interdisciplinary field, Annenberg researchers are engaged with a spectrum of topics related to health, politics, media systems, networks and digital culture, journalism, race and gender, and more, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Our Ph.D. program allows students to tailor a curriculum to suit their specific interests, and provides them the financial resources to launch their academic career. 

In addition to a full tuition waiver, our students currently receive an annual stipend as well as a budget for research and travel and health insurance for all five years.

Annenberg is the smallest of the 12 schools at Penn, and it functions as close-knit community of scholars whose doors are always open to one another. Our students also appreciate our staff , who routinely go above and beyond to support them.

Please note that we do not have a standalone master’s degree program at this time. All students are admitted directly into the doctoral program.

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Our Students By the Numbers

Here are some fast facts about our students and the admissions process . Get to know Annenberg!

Students currently in the program

Different nationalities represented by our students, applicants each year, students accepted each year, average undergraduate gpa of applicants, average toefl of admitted candidates, of students came from a previous graduate degree program, of students worked in a career before joining annenberg, of students came straight to annenberg from an undergraduate degree.

Our Faculty

Our graduate faculty is at the heart of the school. Their innovative work, often in collaboration with students, pushes the field of Communication forward.

Students on Video

Hear from some of the Annenberg School's doctoral students as they talk about their work and what brought them to Annenberg.

What is it like to be a doctoral student at the International Communication Association annual conference? We followed four students to find out.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctoral candidate Kelly Diaz used her phone to document the many signs displayed in yards and windows around her West Philadelphia home. She has now collected that body of work into a  photo essay .

Doctoral Candidate and artist Roopa Vasudevan studies the ways that the everyday technologies shape our daily lives.

What is it like to be a Ph.D. student? We followed five of our students through their daily activities.

Prateekshit Pandey works with the Communication Neuroscience Lab to study how the brain reacts to humor. 

Buenos Aires-native María Celeste Wagner looks at how gender influences credibility in news. 

Jennifer Henrichsen studies the way that journalists adopt information security technologies to protect themselves and their sources.

Our Students

Annenberg's doctoral students represent a broad spectrum of interests, methodologies, and backgrounds. Here are just a few of our incredible students.

Arlene C. Fernández

Azsaneé Truss

Antoine Haywood

Danielle Clark

Neil Fasching

Tom W. Etienne

Kallahan Brown Named 2023 Presidential Ph.D. Fellow

Annenberg School doctoral student Kallahan Brown is a recipient of the Penn Presidential Ph.D. Fellowship, which includes three years of funding.

Doctoral Students Collaborate With Philadelphia High School Students on Health Communication Research

The Annenberg School Welcomes Eight New Ph.D. Students in Its 2023 Cohort

Exploring Inequalities in Health Through Cognitive Science and Family Conversation

Brendan Mahoney Wants To Know How the Internet Affects Us

Explore the Program

Learn more about life in the Annenberg Ph.D. program.

Financial Support

Curriculum & Milestones

Student Life

Applications for 2025-2026 will open by October

More in doctorate in communication.

Communication (PhD)

You will acquire the leading-edge theory and research methodologies you need to shape a more ethical and just world. 

Whether you seek a career in academia, the industry, or governmental and non-governmental organizations, you will become a critical educator and researcher of communication through rigorous coursework, independent and collaborative research projects, and teaching opportunities.

You will work side by side with your peers and our distinguished faculty to advance knowledge in the field while creating interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal and organizational problems. At the same time, you will build a professional network of worldwide and lifelong connections with fellow scholars and practitioners.

USC Annenberg’s location at the heart of a top-tier research university and in the dynamic city of Los Angeles provides you with the ideal setting to explore ways to inventively fuse your scholarship and expertise in communication studies with disciplines such as political science, international relations, sociology and information sciences as well as gender, media and popular culture studies.

Program Information

• Learning Objectives
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By the numbers

Student and faculty work.

Changing the world through better communication

Former U.S. Navy Blue Angels team member Amber Lynn Scott became interested in studying high-reliability organizations for her dissertation to make a positive impact for military and first responders.

Requiem for a meme

Alexandria Arrieta researches how the intersection of memes and music are having a profound impact on people’s communication and connection across social media.

Making social media a better tool for political activism

With his lifelong interest in politics, Alfonso Hedge realized Annenberg’s doctoral program would be the perfect place to study how grassroots political organizations use social media.

From music to AI

Event promoter and DJ Stephen Yang examines the on-the-ground practices of technologists and media professionals as they reshape the culture of production.

Jermaine Anthony Richards named 2023 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

The merit-based program provides funding for Richards to explore his research on how transmedia storytelling animates human security politics, security cultures, and political movements.

Exploring identity through social media

Samah Sadig shares her passion for identity, expression and education — and how it all brought her to USC Annenberg.

Work on groundbreaking research with expert faculty

As innovations in information and communication technologies continue at a rapid pace, USC Annenberg remains at the forefront of efforts to explore these social, cultural, rhetorical and organizational processes. You will work and collaborate with fellow doctoral students, our world-class faculty, and industry and public/private sector professionals to advance research and insights across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas of study. You will also have the opportunity to lead research endeavors that impact scholarship and practice across the contemporary communications landscape.

Explore the research of USC Annenberg faculty and students. View the areas of study available to our PhD students.

Get to know your fellow students

The communication doctorate program enrolls students from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and educational experiences. Connect with fellow students by viewing their profiles and get to know USC Annenberg through their eyes.

Communication (PhD) faculty

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About the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program

The PhD program in Social and Behavioral Sciences is designed for individuals seeking training for careers as social and behavioral scientists, health educators, and health promotion or communication specialists in the public health arena. The curriculum centers on the application of social and behavioral science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems, with a focus on understanding and influencing the social contexts and behaviors relevant to health. In addition to coursework, students complete a written exam at the end of the first year and gain experience in research skills and approaches. With faculty guidance, students develop and present a dissertation protocol in an oral exam. The final dissertation defense is conducted as an oral exam that includes a public seminar.

The program provides rigorous training in research methodology, theory, and program design and evaluation. Research is primarily focused in two areas—health education and communication, and social and psychological influences on health.

PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary theory.

with multi-level perspective

Rigorous methods

with practical application to contemporary health problems

Application of behavioral and social science perspectives

with attention to context

Community engagement

to understand and influence health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Sample careers.

• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Research Public Health Analyst
• Social Scientist, Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products
• Health Scientist-Alcohol Program
• Project Director
• Senior Communications Adviser
• Tenure Track Faculty
• Senior Program Officer
• Director of Clinical and Academic Research
• Senior Consultant
• Research and Evaluation Officer
• Program Director, Department of Public Health

Curriculum for the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory , and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook . 

Research Areas

The emphasis of the curriculum is on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems. Understanding and influencing health behaviors that are risk factors in disease and illness, as well as behaviors that can be considered protective and health enhancing, are strengths of the program.

Rigorous training in research methods and program design and evaluation are also key elements of the curriculum. The program focuses its research in the following areas.

This area focuses on the application of principles from education, communication, behavioral, social science and psychological theories to encourage health behaviors conducive to optimal health in individuals, groups and communities. Students are exposed to current research on health education and communication, with particular focus on multilevel, ecological models of health and health behavior, design and evaluation of multifaceted intervention programs and patient-provider communication.

This area focuses on social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology and prevalence of disease in health-care-seeking behavior, disease prevention, long-term care and rehabilitation. Students are exposed to current research on health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; social and psychological factors in disease etiology; risk reduction; and cultural influences in public health, including cross-cultural and multilevel studies.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are  optional  for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Katherine Clegg Smith

Katherine Clegg Smith, PhD, MA, is a sociologist who examines health experiences and health communication, with a research focus on cancer and chronic disease.

Carl Latkin

Carl Latkin, PhD, conducts biobehavioral interventions for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on social networks, substance use, infectious diseases, and mental health.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr.

Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., PhD, MS, is a gerontologist and social epidemiologist with nationally-recognized expertise in minority aging, men’s health, and place-based disparities.

Carol R. Underwood

Carol Underwood, PhD '93, MA, MA, studies the role of gender, social class, and marginalization in global health outcomes to contribute to the wellbeing of populations.

Get to Know Our Current Doctoral Students

Learn more about our doctoral students' research interests, publications, and more through our HBS doctoral student pages.

Full-time PhD students matriculating in or after 2022 will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition and matriculation fee, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU  starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Application and Admissions Procedural Questions

Please direct questions about application and admissions procedures to the BSPH Admissions Office.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   410-955-3543

General Academic Questions

For general academic questions about the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences program, please contact our Department's doctoral program coordinator, Krystal Lee, EdD, MPA.

Email:   [email protected]

Website URL:

https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/communication/students/index.html

Department/School Head:

Marifran Mattson

Academic Programs:

Master’s and ph.d. programs.

Masters of Communication. Students can earn either an MA or MS in Communication from the Brian Lamb School of Communication. Students have an option to choose a thesis track or a non-thesis track. The program is designed to be flexible and students can tailor the program to meet their individual interests. Our graduate program is organized along five instructional units:

• Health Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Communication
• Media Technology & Society
• Public Relations

Students take courses both within and outside of the school and within and outside their areas of specialty. All admitted students receive funding.

Ph.D. in Communication . The Brian Lamb School of Communication offers a Ph.D. in Communication. The program is designed around these five instructional units:

One of the defining features of the program is its flexibility. Students design their own course work to create a program that is tailored and unique to each individual student. All admitted students receive funding.

Concentrations (Areas of Study):

Health Communication: Issues of health have become increasingly critical and complex, generating the need for individuals who can communicate effectively about health. The health communication program at Purdue seeks to fulfill this growing need for trained health communicators by exposing students to the theory, research, and practice.

Interpersonal Communication: Scholarship in interpersonal communication focuses on the study of fundamental processes that occur in all social interactions (interpretation, message production), the codes (verbal and nonverbal) through which everyday interactions are accomplished, and the functions that people pursue in these interactions (persuading, informing, providing support, etc.) We also investigate how communication shapes, and is shaped by, human relationships, including friendships, romances, families, and work relationships.

Media, Technology & Society: Graduate work in Media, Technology and Society covers research on media and technological processes, their consequences, and the role that mass communication plays in both public and private life. Courses focus on local, national, and global media systems and audiences, as well as emerging information and communication technologies and environments.

Organizational Communication: Organizational communication examines the relationships between communication and organizing through the study of discourse, meanings, symbols, and information flow.

Public Relations: Purdue’s public relations program emphasizes negotiation and maintenance of relationships among organizations and their social, political, and economic environments. The program emphasizes the integration of public relations theory and research into practice to develop an understanding of the interactions between organizations and their publics. The Public Relations unit at Purdue prepares students to cultivate and sustain mutually-beneficial relationships between organizations of all types and their strategic publics both as practitioners and researchers.

Online/Distance Programs:

Online MS in Communication: The online MS program in communication, along with the graduate certificate in strategic communication management, is specifically designed for fulltime professionals working in industry. The program focuses on strategic communication concepts, such as public relations, integrated communication, and organizational communication, and helps students develop communication leadership skills necessary for professional success. Students in this program get education in strategic communication planning, crisis communication, global communication, social media, communication research methods, and related areas. The program is entirely asynchronous, and students typically take courses one at a time in 8-week blocks. This online program is not designed for students desiring to prepare for full-time research/teaching positions or Ph.D. programs. http://online.purdue.edu/comm/masters-in-communication

Combined Degree Programs: (Undergraduate Degree / Master’s Degree)

Not applicable

Graduate Certificates (Degree or Non-Degree Students):

Strategic Communication Management: The certificate program is a fast-paced way for you to broaden your skillset with greater understanding of impactful communication. The courses within the certificate program quickly instill within you the skills and confidence to meet your organization’s communication needs across a variety of platforms. http://online.purdue.edu/comm/communication-certificate

Regular Graduate Faculty by Rank:

Patrice M. Buzzanell, Hyunyi Cho, Robin Clair, Carolyn Curiel, John O. Greene, Marifran Mattson, Felicia Roberts, Glenn Sparks, Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Howard Sypher, Ralph Webb, Steve Wilson

Associate Professor

Josh Boyd, Robert X. Browning, Bart Collins, Stacey Connaughton, Jeong-Nam Kim, Seungyoon Lee, Sorin Matei, Melanie Morgan, Bob Ogles, Torsten Reimer, Stephen Robb

Assistant Professor

Jane Natt, Doug Osman, Josh Scacco, Brian Smith, Maria Venetis, Xiumei Zhu

• Communication, PHD
• Communication/Gerontology, PHD
• Communication, MA
• Communication, MS
• Strategic Communication Management Graduate Certificate
• COM 50700 - Introduction To Semiotics
• COM 50800 - Nonverbal Communication In Human Interaction
• COM 51200 - Theories Of Interpersonal Communication
• COM 51500 - Persuasion In Social Movements
• COM 51700 - Communication In Politics
• COM 51800 - Theories Of Persuasion
• COM 52000 - Small Group Communication
• COM 52100 - Theories Of Rhetoric
• COM 53100 - Special Topics In Mass Communication
• COM 55700 - Legal Dimensions Of Communication
• COM 55800 - Historical Trends In Mass Communication Research
• COM 55900 - Current Trends In Mass Communication Research
• COM 56500 - Sociolinguistics
• COM 57400 - Organizational Communication
• COM 57600 - Health Communication
• COM 58200 - Descriptive/Experimental Research In Communication
• COM 58300 - Research And Assessment In Organizational Communication
• COM 58400 - Historical/Critical Research In Communication
• COM 58500 - Qualitative Methods In Communication Research
• COM 59000 - Directed Study Of Special Problems
• COM 60000 - Foundations Of Human Communication Inquiry I
• COM 60100 - Foundations Of Human Communication Inquiry II
• COM 60111 - Seminar In Strategic Communication
• COM 60211 - Seminar In Global Strategic Communication
• COM 60311 - Seminar In Crisis Communication
• COM 60411 - Seminar In Communication Research Methods
• COM 60511 - Strategic Communication And Professional Writing
• COM 60611 - Seminar In Financial And Investor Relations
• COM 60711 - Strategic Communication And Fundraising Management
• COM 60811 - Leadership And Global Strategic Communication
• COM 60911 - Strategic Public Relations
• COM 61000 - Seminar: Special Topics In Rhetorical Studies
• COM 61011 - Strategic Communication And Ethics
• COM 61200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Interpersonal Communication
• COM 62100 - Seminar: Special Topics In Rhetorical Theory
• COM 62111 - Seminar In Strategic Communication And Social Media
• COM 62411 - Focus Groups And Interviewing For Strategic Communication
• COM 62511 - Survey Design, Analysis, And Reporting For Strategic Communication
• COM 63200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Mass Communication
• COM 67400 - Seminar: Special Topics In Organizational Communication
• COM 67600 - Seminar: Special Topics In Health Communication
• COM 68200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Quantitative Research
• COM 69500 - Curricular Practical Training
• COM 69800 - Research MA Or MS Thesis
• COM 69900 - Research PhD Thesis

Department of Communication

College of humanities, main navigation, graduate studies, helpful links.

About the Graduate Program

As a top-ten Communication program in research productivity and excellence (Academic Analytics, 2016), the Department of Communication at the University of Utah has a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in graduate education. As one of very few integrated communication departments in the country, we provide rigorous theoretical and methodological training across the spectrum of communication studies.

Our nationally ranked and acclaimed graduate program currently offers graduate study in four of the Department's five areas of emphasis: Communicating Science, Health, Environment, and Risk (CommSHER); Critical/Cultural Studies; Journalism, Media, and Technology; and Rhetoric. Please click the links below for more information on specific research areas represented in the Department and a list of associated faculty. Moreover, fluidity and flexibility across all of the Department's areas of emphasis is not only possible but encouraged; most of our renowned faculty have expertise in two or more of these areas, and graduate students are likewise supported in creating uniquely tailored programs of study that draw from across areas and faculty.

Areas of Emphasis

Critical Cultural Studies

Critical Cultural research emphasizes critical inquiry into the broadly defined ways that cultural discourses, practices, and performances contribute to, resist, and transform relations of power in society, particularly as related to communication-based problems of class, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, national identity, (dis)ability, environment, and globalization.

Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk (CommSHER)

CommSHER is the study of how individuals, organizations, institutions, and cultures communicate about science, health, and the environment through language, images, and practice.

Journalism, Media, and Technology

Journalism emphasizes the production and reception of mediated messages designed to inform, persuade, educate, and entertain both historically and in contemporary society; the social cultural political, legal, economic, professional, and ethical implications of mediated messages; and the convergence that is both altering and reproducing historical assumptions about mass communication.

Rhetoric involves the study of discursive and non-discursive symbolic influence. This program focuses on the relationships that exist between rhetoric and concrete problems and the investigation of health, environmental, legal, political, cultural, and military issues.

Critical Cultural research emphasizes critical inquiry into the broadly defined ways that cultural discourses, practices, and performances contribute to, resist, and transform relations of power in society, particularly as related to communication-based problems of class, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, national identity, (dis)ability, environment, and globalization. We focus on fostering a more equitable and democratic public sphere as a way to promote social justice. Our critical cultural faculty conduct  their inquiry into a variety of forms communication, including rhetorical, mediated, and interpersonal. Some of our recent projects include analysis of the political economy of the dark web, Korean war memory, performance of childbearing identities in families, mediated portrayals of African American and Asian Americans, political and cultural underpinnings of obesity, tactics of activism in the U.S. and China, postcolonial memory, and environmental justice.

Critical Cultural Studies Faculty

• Kevin DeLuca
• Danielle Endres
• Logan Gomez
• Rachel Griffin
• Leandra Hernandez
• Avery Holton
• Chris Ingraham
• Crystal Lumpkins
• Michael Middleton
• Helene Shugart

The faculty in the Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk (CommSHER) emphasis are globally recognized experts investigating how individuals and organizations communicate about health, science, and environmental issues. Faculty have expertise in a variety of research methodologies and explore communication in contexts such as the effectiveness of digital health tools, public opinion and historical media depictions of STEM issues, environmental sustainability, health narratives, and the health communication ecosystem. Their research has been supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities among many others. To find a faculty member with interest in a particular area, please contact Professor Robin Jensen at [email protected] .

CommSHER Faculty

• Mark Bergstrom
• Kevin Deluca
• Glen Feighery
• Isabelle Freiling
• Jakob Jensen
• Robin Jensen
• Kimberly Kaphingst
• Sean Lawson
• Tae Kyoung Lee
• Benjamin Lyons

Journalism, Media, and Technology scholarship emphasizes the production and reception of mediated messages designed to inform, persuade, educate, and entertain both historically and in contemporary society; the social cultural political, legal, economic, professional, and ethical implications of mediated messages; and the convergence that is both altering and reproducing historical assumptions about mass communication.

We are committed to understanding media broadly. We are interested in the relationships between people and media as well as media messages, uses, representations, and reception both historically and in contemporary life. Through critical dialogue, interpretations change as historians seek to deepen our understanding of the past as well as the evolution of today?s salient issues. Through the study of contemporary media including journalism, visual media, and social media we emphasize the myriad ways media play significant roles in society.

Our program includes scholarship devoted to history, journalism, broadcast, photography, media technologies and social media. Faculty have studied public broadcasting, historical leadership in the black press, historical coverage of nuclear testing, first amendment cases, how visuals operate in contemporary and historical media systems, and a variety of forms of social practice such as hacking, modding, networking, programming, and interface design. We explore questions such as: how is identity performed, shaped, and maintained in new social media systems? How are mobile and social media used in social movement, health communication, and strategic communication? How does unequal access to digital technology affect the culture, policy, and economics of new media? How do new technologies mediate our relationship with the environment? How are fields such as journalism and education adapting and being shaped by new technologies and modes of media production?

Journalism, Media, and Technology Faculty

• Jacob Nelson
• David Vergobbi

Rhetoric involves the study of discursive and non-discursive symbolic influence.

We share a common interest in the problem-solving dimensions of our communication theories and practices. We are a community that believes in the importance of social justice, sustainable environments, engaged scholarship, and interventionist practices, and we think of rhetoric as more than simply the detached study of aesthetically interesting speeches or discrete texts. We view rhetoric as a dynamic process that involves social change or resistance, where material conditions and power relationships influence the ways that we think about the communicative influence of class, gender, and ethnicity in volatile situations.

Our unique program focuses on the relationships that exist between rhetoric and concrete local, regional, national, and international problems, and our departmental members specialize in the investigation of environmental, health, legal, political, cultural, and military issues. For example, our faculty have recently involved themselves in theoretical and practical debates about effective social movement strategies, climate change, the study of violent image events, the storage of hazardous waste in the West, sex education in public schools, the Duke Lacrosse case, and the U.S. military's rules of engagement and interpretations of international laws of armed conflict. View our new promotional materials  

Rhetoric Faculty

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Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Phd in speech, language and hearing sciences.

The Sargent College doctoral program is designed for students who want to take leadership roles as independent researchers and scholars in speech, language, or hearing science.

We prepare our students to excel through a combination of advanced academic work, extensive lab experiences and mentored, original research. With the resources of Boston University and the surrounding area, doctoral students have the opportunity to take courses in a wide variety of departments across Boston University (e.g. psychology, linguistics, graduate medical sciences, education, engineering, and neuroscience), and to benefit from other university offerings in the area. The program is designed to be individualized and to combine academic work with multiple research experiences.

In fact, your entire program—not just your research projects—will be original, created by you and for you with the help of your advisor and mentor. Because of the vast range of opportunities open to you at a large liberal arts university and research institution, the specific path you choose will be custom-tailored.

Extensive Academic Resources

The chance to individualize your program begins with the many academic options at Boston University. For example, besides classes in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, you can take courses in the University’s other schools and colleges. You can pursue interests in psychology, linguistics, medicine, engineering, rehabilitation, education, or public health. Study the neurobiology of aging or autism. Take a course in brain-mapping, biomedical engineering, biostatistics, or health policy. Choose from dozens of offerings from the  Graduate Program for Neuroscience (GPN) , open to graduate students across BU. You can also take advantage of courses at other universities in the Boston area by  cross-registering  at Boston College, Brandeis University, and Tufts University.

Boston University hosts an NIDCD T32 program for eligible U.S. citizens or green card holders, which provides multidisciplinary training to prepare a cadre of academic researchers who are highly literate in the methods, objectives, and theoretical structure of health research in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). While select students in the PhD program in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences are considered for funded positions in this prestigious program, all students benefit from the resources, coursework, and infrastructure.

Regardless of the source, consistent with Boston University’s policy , all PhD students are fully funded. PhD students in good standing are guaranteed at least five years of stipend support and health insurance. Full tuition and student services fees are also covered.

A Strong Research Focus

In addition to the University’s research activities, our location in a world-class medical and research hub gives our students access to projects at premier research institutions across the region.

*Students entering post-baccalaureate who are interested in obtaining clinical certification in speech-language pathology are eligible for the combined  MS/PhD program , which includes clinical training.

Contact Program Director Cara Stepp, PhD at  [email protected]

U.S. News & World Report Gives Sargent High Grades in its Latest Graduate School Rankings

OTD program is once again #1 in the Nation, SLP is #5, and DPT ranks #11

Discovering the Hidden Cause of Voice Injury

Cara Stepp has established a connection between hearing impairment and vocal hyperfunction—and perhaps a new diagnostic category

Sargent Welcomes Guest Speaker Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, NBA Veteran and NCAA Champion

Sargent Faculty Inducted into the 2024 Class of the AIMBE College of Fellows

BU Aphasia Resource Center Volunteerism Group

• Ph.D. Program
• Master's Program
• Certificates
• University Scholars Program
• Specializations

The Ph.D. program emphasizes communication as a social science. Graduates are prepared for university positions and careers in government, the media and other organizations as researchers, consultants and policy makers.

Students must demonstrate general knowledge of communication theory and research methods, as well as competence in a core area of specialization. Current core areas include health communication, instructional communication, media and mass communication and strategic and organizational communication.  

Plan of Study

The Doctor of Philosophy in Communication requires all students to complete at least 45 credit hours. Credit hour guidelines are listed below.

To view course descriptions, please visit the UK Graduate Bulletin .  

Graduate Program in Communication

Address 209 McVey Hall Lexington, KY 40506-0045

Get Directions

Contact (859) 218-0290 [email protected]

Connect with CI

• SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

PhD in Communication Studies - Northwestern University School of Communication

The Doctor of Philosophy in Rhetoric, Media, and Publics is replacing the PhD in Communication Studies (Rhetoric and Public Culture). Rhetoric, Media, and Publics is an interschool program between the School of Communication, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and the Medill School of Journalism, Media & Integrated Marketing Communications; and it is based in the School of Communication.

The Rhetoric, Media, and Publics PhD program, grounded in the humanistic tradition of rhetoric, asks the fundamental question of how people influence, reflect, and transform society through mediated practices. Students learn to analyze the production and circulation of meaning in a range of rhetorical and journalistic texts, practices, and institutions through varied modes of qualitative inquiry, and to engage audiences and communities directly in the production of knowledge. The stakes of this inquiry are profoundly social and political as well as formal and aesthetic. The program teaches students to approach public media as sites for political contestation, for the representation and interrogation of ethics and power, and for imagining personhood and collective life.

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Journalism and communication menu, journalism and communication, graduate programs.

In a competitive and rapidly evolving field, an advanced degree will help you stand out. The first step is deciding which of our immersive graduate programs is best for you. We offer a fully funded PhD in communication and media studies and five master’s programs. No matter which path you take, you’ll get to work alongside some of the best faculty and researchers in the field.

Advertising and Brand Responsibility Master's Program (Eugene)

This one-year master’s program in Eugene is the first of its kind. Forward-thinking organizations recognize they benefit when they make a positive impact on the world. And their brands need creative professionals to guide them. Become a leader in this global movement.

Advertising & Brand Responsibility Master's

Journalism Master's Program (Eugene)

During this one-year residential program in Eugene, you’ll learn the foundations of fact finding, writing, and multimedia storytelling from Pulitzer Prize winners and other leaders in the field. Get the professional communication skills to advance your career in any field—no past journalism experience required.

Journalism Master's

Multimedia Journalism Master's Program (Portland)

Designed for working professionals with communication experience, this two-year program offers evening and weekend classes. You'll get hands-on experience in visual, explanatory, and narrative storytelling while building the journalistic and technical skills to stand out in the field.

Multimedia Journalism Master's

Strategic Communication Master's Program (Portland)

In this two-year master’s program for working professionals, you’ll build the skills to advance your career in the evolving strategic communication field. Refine your abilities to conduct research, plan and manage campaigns, and more with a combination of classroom and hands-on learning.

Strategic Communication Master's

Immersive Media Communication Master's Program (Online)

In this first-of-its-kind, one-year, fully online graduate program, you’ll discover the power of virtual, augmented, and extended realities. Learn how to use these new technologies as ethical tools to solve social, environmental, and business problems, and get hands-on experience creating and using immersive content to reach target audiences.

Immersive Media Communication Master's

Communication and Media Studies Master's Program (Eugene)

Investigate the inner workings and impact of one of the most powerful forces in society. In our two-year academic master’s program, you’ll learn from internationally recognized faculty in a school with a legacy of over 100 years of academic excellence.

Communication and Media Studies Master's

Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program (Eugene)

In our fully funded PhD program, you'll research media and communication under some of the most respected scholars in the field. Delve deep with interdisciplinary coursework spanning ethics, law, philosophy, politics, technology, and more.

Communication and Media Studies PhD

New Media and Culture Graduate Certificate

Today’s media landscape is vastly different than it was even a decade ago, and it continues to evolve rapidly. Add this interdisciplinary certificate to your UO graduate degree work while exploring the history, cultures, aesthetics, and production of new media with scholars across the SOJC, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Design.

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Fully funded phd programs in communications 2024.

Are you holding Master’s degree in Communications and looking for fully funded PhD positions in Communications? Multiple Universities invite online application for multiple fully funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in Communications.

Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal. 

1. Fully Funded PhD in Communications at Columbia University

Summary of phd program:.

The Columbia University Journalism School in New York, New York, offers a fully funded PhD in Communications. The PhD in Communications program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of people and media in their cultural, social, political, historical, economic, and technological settings.

A full-time Ph.D. student is typically provided a basic financial aid package that includes tuition waivers, medical fee coverage, and a stipend. Some assistance with teaching or research is required.

Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2024

2. fully funded phd in communication studies at northwestern university.

Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, provides a PhD in Communication Studies that is fully funded. The program is intended for students who want to work in higher education as teachers and researchers. Faculty and student research is interdisciplinary and engages in a variety of contemporary theoretical debates, with a focus on how power, legitimacy, and identity are contested rhetorically.

You will receive university financing for five years as a doctoral student in Communication Studies. A graduate assistantship provides funding for nine months, while a fellowship provides funding for the summer months. Both come with a stipend and a tuition waiver.

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3. Fully Funded PhD in Communication Studies at Purdue University

Purdue University’s Brian Lamb School of Communication in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a fully funded PhD in Communication program. The primary goal is to assist graduate students in developing a programme of study that is specifically tailored to their academic and professional objectives.

Graduate students admitted into the program, with rare exceptions, get financing depending on meeting degree milestones and prerequisites. The financing for stipends is equivalent to that of other Big Ten colleges and peer schools. For the academic year, Ph.D. students are paid around $25,000 in stipends. On December 1 of each year, they begin reviewing applications for the following fall.

4. Fully Funded PhD in Mass Communications at Syracuse University

Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, provides a PhD in Mass Communications that is fully funded. This interdisciplinary PhD program in Mass Communications will equip you for a successful future in communication research and education. Media and diversity; international communications; health communication; and popular television are among the academic areas of Ph.D. faculty. The doctoral program is intended to take three years to complete, with two years of coursework followed by qualifying tests and the dissertation.

Doctoral students at Newhouse are fully sponsored for three years and get financial assistance from University Fellowships or research or teaching assistantships.

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5. fully funded phd in communication at university of kentucky.

The University of Kentucky’s College of Communication and Information in Lexington, Kentucky, provides a fully funded PhD in Communication. Communication is emphasized as a social science in the Ph.D. program. Graduates are equipped for university jobs as well as careers as researchers, consultants, and policymakers in government, the media, and other organizations.

The Graduate Program in Communication provides numerous options for funding your studies. The majority of funding comes in the form of teaching assistantships, while research jobs are available on occasion. For eight to ten semesters of PhD work, teaching or research assistantships are available.

6. Fully Funded PhD in Communication at University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, College Park, MD, provides a fully funded PhD in Communication. The majority of PhD students intend to pursue academic careers as scholars and instructors, with some following professional positions in government, non-profit organizations, or the corporate sector.

All PhD students are financially supported. Assistantships are guaranteed for five years for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, as long as the student continues in good standing and makes adequate progress toward their degree.

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7. fully funded phd in communication at university of pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, provides a fully funded PhD in Communication. The PhD program allows students to adapt their curriculum to their unique interests while also providing them with the financial tools they need to begin their academic careers.

In addition to a full tuition waiver, PhD students currently get a $33,302 yearly stipend, a budget for research and travel, and health insurance for the entire five-year program.

8. Fully Funded PhD in Communication and Media at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, provides a fully funded PhD in Communication. The newly revamped Ph.D. in Communication and Media is an interdisciplinary program with two key strengths: social scientific analysis of mass media effects and humanities-based research on Media, Culture, and Society.

The PhD program provides financial aid to all admitted students for the whole five-year period of study. They provide students with a combination of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships, as well as a full tuition waiver and a stipend (varying from $10,200 to $10,500 every term).

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Health Science Communication Scholarships for International Students

Here is the list of Health Science Communication scholarships for International students 2024 - 2025. Please check out following scholarships below.

Sejong University Graduate Scholarships in South Korea 2024

• Partial Funding
• Sejong University
• Masters, PhD
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This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea. Students interested in are advised to apply for Sejong University Graduate Scholarships in South Korea 2024.

Merieux Foundation - IRD Joint PhD Scholarship 2024

• Partial Funding (Funding Up to €50,000)
• France Universities

This is a PhD scholarships for International Students at France Universities, , France. Students interested in are advised to apply for Merieux Foundation - IRD Joint PhD Scholarship 2024.

University of Pittsburgh Boren Scholarships Fall/Spring/Summer 2025-2026

• University of Pittsburgh
• Undergraduate
• Domestic Students

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for Domestic Students at University of Pittsburgh, , USA. Students interested in are advised to apply for University of Pittsburgh Boren Scholarships Fall/Spring/Summer 2025-2026.

University of Sydney Australian Government RTP Scholarships 2024/2025

• Fully Funded
• University of Sydney
• Postgraduate

This is a Postgraduate scholarships for International Students at University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. Students interested in are advised to apply for University of Sydney Australian Government RTP Scholarships 2024/2025.

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• UK Universities, USA Universities, Africa Universities European Universities
• Bachelor, Masters, PhD
• UK, USA, Africa, Europe

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at UK Universities, USA Universities, Africa Universities, , UK, USA, Africa, Europe. Students interested in are advised to apply for UNICAF Scholarships 2024/2025 (for BS, MS and PhD).

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• Anglia Ruskin University

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. Students interested in are advised to apply for Anglia Ruskin University International Merit Scholarships 2024 in UK.

Texas Tech University Presidential Merit Scholarship 2024 in USA

• Texas Tech University

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for Domestic Students at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA. Students interested in are advised to apply for Texas Tech University Presidential Merit Scholarship 2024 in USA.

Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa International Scholarship 2024 in New Zealand

• Victoria University of Wellington
• Masters, Postgraduate
• New Zealand

This is a Masters, Postgraduate scholarships for International Students at Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. Students interested in are advised to apply for Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa International Scholarship 2024 in New Zealand.

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship 2024 in New Zealand

• Partial Funding (Up to $10,000 for either postgraduate study or undergraduate study)
• University of Auckland
• Undergraduate, Postgraduate

This is a Undergraduate, Postgraduate scholarships for International Students at University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Students interested in are advised to apply for University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship 2024 in New Zealand.

Australia Awards Scholarships for International Students 2024

• Australian Universities
• All Subjects
• International Students, Australia Awards Approved Countries

This is a Masters All Subjects scholarships for International Students, Australia Awards Approved Countries at Australian Universities, , Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Australia Awards Scholarships for International Students 2024.

Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2024 (Fully Funded)

• Romania Universities

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DAAD-EPOS Scholarships in Germany Development Related Courses 2025-2026

• Germany Universities

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Islamic Development Bank IsDB Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded)

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University College London IOE Centenary Scholarships 2024 in UK

• Full tuition fee, Stipened
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University of Sussex Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships 2024 in UK

• Tuition Fee Reduction
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This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at University of Sussex, Brighton and Hove, UK. Students interested in are advised to apply for University of Sussex Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships 2024 in UK.

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MD-PhD program receives $1.1 million in NIH funding

• Written by John Keenan, UNMC strategic communications
• Published Apr 9, 2024

Justin Mott, MD, PhD

A new National Institutes of Health grant for the Medical Scientist Training Program will bring more than $1.1 million to UNMC over the next five years.

With this award, UNMC joins about one-third of the approximately 150 medical schools across the country who have NIH-funded MD-PhD programs, said Justin Mott, MD, PhD, director of the MD-PhD Scholars Program in the UNMC College of Medicine.

“The NIH put out an announcement looking for programs that had something unique in terms of trainees who were underrepresented in medicine,” Dr. Mott said. UNMC’s strength, he said, is that approximately 20% of its applicants and 20% of its trainees have a rural background.

“At most medical schools, that number is about 5 or 6%,” he said.

In addition, more than 40% of participating college of medicine faculty have a rural background or their research and clinical populations relate to rural communities. And the program showed geographic diversity, with applicants from 42 states over the past five years.

 A rural background can mean a great deal to a physician scientist, Dr, Mott said.

“Obviously, our experiences shape the questions that we ask,” he said. “Students from a rural background may be uniquely suited to ask questions about why health outcomes are not as good for members of the community who live in rural areas, why life expectancy is shorter, why there’s higher risk for some cardiovascular diseases and for some infections. What about the exposures about the culture, about the nature, of rural America is different? These scientists are ready to ask those questions.”

The strength of the program and its trainees also helped secure the funds, Dr. Mott said.

“The track record of our alumni matters a lot,” Dr. Mott said. “More than 92% of the students who come into our program stay and get both degrees, and that’s higher than the national average. And the time to achieve both degrees is at or slightly below the national average. Also, we’re setting our students up for success after they graduate.”

Trainee research strengths also reinforced program strengths. Dr. Mott said, pointing to two recent federal awards received by students:

• Aaron Schwab received a fellowship from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences this year, one of only two awards from NIEHS to UNMC currently, for a study exploring health impacts of agricultural dust exposures common in rural areas.
• Rebecca Slotkowski received a fellowship from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities in 2022, one of only four awards from the NIMHD to UNMC currently, to study a program designed to reduce sociodemographic impacts on cardiovascular risk and adverse maternal outcomes in young people in urban Omaha.

The LEAD Medical Scientist Training Program award will allow the MD-PhD program to increase its annual cohort of accepted students from five to six, Dr. Mott said.

”This sounds like a small change, but over an eight-year program, it will increase our size to about 48 students. It also allows us to have additional support, not just through the NIH, but also through UNMC Graduate Studies, which has committed to supporting students during their graduate training based on this award.”

Dr. Mott expects the award will strengthen program recruitment, especially since grant reviewers pointed out the robust nature of the peer mentorship and scholarly community in the UNMC program.

UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, MD, said the MD-PhD program is a source of pride for the college.

“From its inception, the MD-PhD program has nurtured physician scientists who have gone on to achieve great things,” Dr. Britigan said. “This new grant will allow it to grow even stronger.”

The large number of trainees with rural backgrounds grew organically, Dr. Mott said.

“This is not something that we select for in our admissions,” he said. “It’s more that the potential applicants are selecting for us. Our participating faculty, we’re about 40% who have either a rural upbringing or their clinic or their research have particular focus on rural communities. That provides an understanding, a shared background, a support system and a recognition of the value the students bring in. They may self-select into the program because of that.”

Dr. Mott credited his predecessors, Debra Romberger, MD, and Shelley Smith, PhD, for building the strong program, and thanked Dr. Britigan and Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor of academic affairs and dean of UNMC Graduate Studies, for their support.

Dr. Davies called the award “a national badge of excellence and a testament to the many years of hard work and foundation that has been laid by the dedicated faculty and leadership of the program in the college of medicine and the graduate studies program. 

“This partnership has enabled our MD-PhD program to become recognized as among the very best in the country, based on the outcomes of our students and time to degree completion.”

Dr. Davies congratulated Dr. Mott and his team, as well as his predecessors, for “their concerted and relentless effort to make this training grant a reality. This institutional training grant adds to the growing strength of UNMC’s training programs dedicated to critical areas of research emphasis that will continue to help attract and train the next generation of scientists who will answer and solve the most pressing questions in health for generations to come.”

“The institutional support has been excellent across the board from the beginning of the program,” Dr. Mott said. “The integration between medicine and graduate studies facilitates the students’ growth as physician scientists, not sometimes a physician and sometimes a scientist. And that integration was a strength as we competed with other institutions for these funds.”

Congratulations, Justin and Team! Outstanding news!

Congratulations Justin! You Rock!

Hi Justin, Congratulations!!! Well deserved.

Congratulations Dr. Justin!

Congrats Dr. Mott!

Congratulations, Dr. Mott! We rural folk appreciate your work.

Congratulations, Justin!

Congratulations Justin!

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Associate or Senior Editor (clinical microbiology and infectious diseases)

Job Details

Job Title: Associate or Senior Editor (clinical microbiology and infectious diseases) Nature Communications

Locations: London, New York, Pune – Hybrid working model. 

Closing date: 24th April. Candidates will be considered as they apply.

Nature Communications is the leading multidisciplinary Open Access journal, publishing high-quality scientific research. To help us to build on the success of this journal, we’re seeking an editor who has a critical eye, a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, and who can think on their feet.

About the role

Do you love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to sate your desire to learn more about the natural world? Do you enjoy reading papers outside your chosen area of research? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, you could be the person we’re looking for to join the editorial team of Nature Communications.

The successful candidate will report to the Chief Editor for microbiology and infectious diseases in the health and clinical science division. This demanding and intellectually stimulating role is located in one of our offices in London, New York, or Pune. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the respective country to be considered for the position. The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and its starting date is envisaged as soon as possible within the next few months.

Role Responsibilities:

• Handling original research papers, and working closely with other editors on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript selection and overseeing peer review. Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice. Determining the representation of their subject in the journal. Liaising extensively with editors at other journals in the Nature family and with experts in the international scientific community. Attending conferences and visiting research institutions. Commission and edit Reviews, and write Editorials

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a field related to clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, epidemiology of infectious diseases, or public health. Significant research experience is preferred but not essential. A thorough understanding of recent trends and developments in the field is essential. A passion for science and a thirst to learn more. You must be able to demonstrate the breadth of your interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your speciality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be fluent in English (written and spoken). The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to the journal from different areas of this discipline. Be eager to travel and meet scientists worldwide, learn more about them and their research, and help them learn more about us and what we are looking for in the papers we seek to publish. Editorial experience is not required, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for Senior Editor positions.

To apply:  Applicants should include a CV, a covering letter explaining their interest in the post and their preferred office of employment, and a separate concise (300-400 words) discussion of a recent scientific development that they found particularly exciting (stating why).

Springer Nature is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty and wish to submit your application in an alternative format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)207 014 4020 or by email [email protected] so we can make any necessary arrangements.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

At Springer Nature we value the diversity of our teams. We recognize the many benefits of a diverse workforce with equitable opportunities for everyone. We strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here  https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit  https://careers.springernature.com/

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2025 Blackstone Real Estate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Summer Analyst

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2025 Blackstone Real Estate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Summer Analyst

2025 Summer Analyst

Business Unit:

Real Estate

Business Description:

Blackstone is a global leader in real estate investing. Blackstone’s real estate business was founded in 1991 and has US $332 billion of investor capital under management. Blackstone is the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, owning and operating assets across every major geography and sector, including logistics, residential, office, hospitality and retail. Our opportunistic funds seek to acquire undermanaged, well-located assets across the world. Blackstone’s Core+ business invests in substantially stabilized real estate assets globally, through both institutional strategies and strategies tailored for income-focused individual investors including Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. (BREIT), a U.S. non-listed REIT, and Blackstone’s European yield-oriented strategy. Blackstone Real Estate also operates one of the leading global real estate debt businesses, providing comprehensive financing solutions across the capital structure and risk spectrum, including management of Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE: BXMT).

Program Description:

Blackstone’s Summer Analyst Program spans 10 weeks, offering participants extensive exposure across the firm. This program provides Summer Analysts with valuable guidance through mentorship, continuous feedback, technical and soft skill training, networking opportunities with professionals across the firm, and the unique chance to fully immerse themselves in Blackstone’s culture.

Job Description:

Blackstone is committed to implementing ESG initiatives that add value to its investments and is seeking to recruit a Summer Analyst to support both the Global and Americas Real Estate ESG teams. The Summer Analyst can expect to assume an integral role on the team and will be involved in conducting research, creating ESG reporting, and generally supporting the extensive work of the Real Estate ESG team. The Summer Analyst will gain meaningful exposure to a variety of initiatives, including decarbonization; diversity, equity & inclusion; resource conservation; investor-facing materials; and the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape globally. Specific responsibilities may include:

• Conducting research on ESG industry trends
• Creating ESG reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including case studies that highlight examples of best practices across our real estate portfolio
• Collecting and integrating large volumes of data from multiple sources
• Providing project support to Real Estate’s ESG teams on investments and initiatives

Qualifications:

Real Estate ESG seeks to hire individuals who are highly motivated and have demonstrated excellence in prior endeavors. The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant interest in the ESG space
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including the creation of pivot tables, experience with complex formulas (e.e. vlookup, indexmatch) to accommodate large and complex data sets.
• Experience with SQL or Tableau preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Intellectual curiosity, robust work ethic and positive attitude
• Desire to work in a team environment

To be considered for the 2025 Summer Analyst Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
• Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
• Resume must include expected graduation month/year and GPA
• Resume must be in PDF format

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Pediatric rheumatologist Elizabeth Mellins dies at 72

Mellins, who studied autoimmune disease and co-founded a large pediatric rheumatology research network, was a tireless mentor and advocate for her field.

April 12, 2024 - By Erin Digitale

Betsy Mellins “wanted other people to care about the science as much as she cared, because it was science that would lead to better treatments for children,” Jennifer Frankovich said. Stanford Medicine

Elizabeth “Betsy” Mellins, MD, professor of pediatrics at the Stanford School of Medicine, died March 24. She was 72.

Mellins was a pediatric rheumatologist and immunologist whose laboratory made important discoveries about childhood inflammatory diseases. She was also a dedicated advocate for her specialty, a founder of one of its largest research networks, and a devoted and tenacious mentor to young scientists and physicians.

“Dr. Mellins was a consummate physician-scientist whose research acumen was driven by her deep compassion for children living with juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases,” said Lloyd Minor , MD, dean of the Stanford School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs at Stanford University. “Not only did she make important discoveries in her own lab, she worked tirelessly to expand research opportunities for everyone in her field, mentoring so many physicians to the ultimate benefit of young patients who can now access safer and more effective treatments for challenging chronic illnesses.”

Mellins tackled several difficult problems in immunology, focusing her research on a form of childhood arthritis, especially how immune markers known as MHC class II molecules function as inherited risk factors. Her recent work helped physicians understand an emerging, life-threatening lung complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or Still disease. Although it is not fully understood, scientists hypothesize that some newer drugs cause an immune-system imbalance in certain patients that leads to this complication. Mellins also gathered evidence for the autoimmune underpinnings of a severe pediatric psychiatric condition called pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, or PANS. When her findings ran counter to perceived wisdom, she was adept at overcoming others’ skepticism.

“She was brilliant: She had the gift of not only knowing the science, but how to share it with the rest of the world,” said Jennifer Frankovich , MD, clinical professor of pediatrics and director of the Stanford PANS research program and the Immune Behavioral Health Clinic at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. “She wanted other people to care about the science as much as she cared, because it was science that would lead to better treatments for children.”

Having entered her profession at a time when female physician-scientists were rare, she worked hard to expand opportunities for young researchers, especially women.

“She loved finding and nurturing bright, interested young talent: undergrads, PhD students, postdocs, residents and fellows,” said Vivian Saper, MD, adjunct clinical professor of pediatrics. “Anybody who had gone through Betsy’s lab had a friend and mentor for life.”

‘Most likely to succeed’

Mellins was born Dec. 16, 1951, in Minneapolis, and grew up in Manhasset, New York, as the eldest child of an academically oriented family. Her father, Harry Mellins, MD, was a radiologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, and her mother, Judith Weiss Mellins, held a master’s degree in economics from Radcliffe College, which would later become part of Harvard. Mellins had two younger brothers, Bill and Tom.

After completing high school in 1969, Mellins earned an undergraduate degree from Cornell University in political science. While at Cornell, she enrolled for a summer quarter at Stanford and fell in love with it. She thought about becoming a teacher, but changed course.

“She had been voted ‘most likely to succeed’ in high school, and the best possible career path for a brilliant woman in 1969 was schoolteacher,” said her daughter, Lisa Mendelman.

Instead, Mellins did a post-baccalaureate year at MIT and went to Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1978. She then completed a pediatric residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, and a final year of residency and clinical fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she went on to a postdoctoral research fellowship in developmental biology.

While in medical school, Mellins spent a summer in the Sonoran Desert on the Tohono Oʼodham reservation in Sells, Arizona, gaining clinical experience. There, she met Paul Mendelman, MD, a physician in the U. S. Public Health Service. They were together for 48 years, marrying in 1980.

“Years later, she would say that if there had been mentors available, she would have been mentored to get a PhD, not an MD, based on her interests,” Lisa Mendelman said. “She was striking out into such unprecedented territory. It explains her lifelong commitment to scientific mentorship, to giving other generations experiences she did not have.”

Research focus

After completing her training, Mellins held faculty positions at the University of Washington and the University of Pennsylvania before being recruited to Stanford Medicine as an associate professor of pediatrics in 1996. In her laboratory, Mellins led studies of how different genetic variations of MHC II molecules contribute to a vulnerability to autoimmune disease. Her team investigated how immune cells called monocytes function in a variety of immune diseases, including Still disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, asthma and PANS, seeking clues to disease pathogenesis and biomarkers.

Anybody who had gone through Betsy’s lab had a friend and mentor for life.

“Betsy had a relentless work ethic, always excited by new findings and developing the next question she wanted to solve,” said Mark Kay , MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics and of genetics. “She was a remarkable colleague in so many ways. Not only will I miss our scientific discussions but our friendship that included long talks about world events, music, art and our families.”

“She was the sort of person who would call and say, ‘Could we have coffee? I have this interesting idea and want to run it by you,’” said PJ Utz , MD, professor of medicine. “She was motivated by innate curiosity and a desire to discover.”

“Her North Star, within her research, was understanding the mechanism of disease and trying to look differently at the illnesses so you can cure them if possible,” Saper said.

One of Mellins’ most notable research findings, in collaboration with Saper, focused on drugs introduced in the early 2010s to block IL-1 and IL-6, molecules involved in the immune phenomenon known as “cytokine storm.” The drugs are used for Still disease, which is characterized by high fevers, joint inflammation and a risk of cytokine storm.

In 2013, reports emerged of mysterious, life-threatening lung problems in some Still patients, whose lungs showed unique changes in imaging and pathology. Mellins led detective work to demonstrate that children who experienced the problem had specific variants of certain MHC II genes. The discovery has enabled doctors to screen children for the genetic marker and use these drugs with caution in vulnerable children, monitoring them closely for early signs of the complication, or in some cases, avoiding giving the drugs to high-risk patients.

“It really changed the way we practice,” said Christy Sandborg , MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics, who was hired as clinical chief of pediatric rheumatology in 1997 and worked closely with Mellins.

Building a nascent field

In the late 1990s, soon after arriving at Stanford Medicine, Mellins recognized the need for a national research network in pediatric rheumatology and founded the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA).

“Pediatric rheumatology at that period was very under-resourced, and it was impossible to do research on rare autoimmune diseases,” Sandborg said.

After attending an Arthritis Foundation special workshop on research in juvenile arthritis, Mellins was motivated to build a network that would offer funding and other resources for basic science in pediatric rheumatology and make it easier to conduct large, multicenter clinical trials. She began working with colleagues at Stanford and across the country on the project.

“Everyone in the field was so excited,” Sandborg said.

Among her contributions to the organization, Mellins wrote the first grant to the Arthritis Foundation for CARRA’s support and served as its first chairperson and head of the CARRA research grant committee.

“She recognized that you can do strong clinical work, but if you don’t do lab research, you don’t advance the field,” Sandborg said. “She contributed greatly to that over many years.”

CARRA is now a nonprofit organization with a membership of more than 400 pediatric rheumatologists and researchers across North America. It has garnered millions of dollars in funding and hosts a biorepository that scientists use for rheumatology research.

A devoted mentor

Mellins worked behind the scenes at Stanford Medicine to help recruit incoming medical students who wanted to pursue careers as physician-scientists, which she saw as an essential component of expanding the pipeline of medical researchers, Utz said. “She made a big difference in the recruitment and retention of women in our training programs, including the immunology PhD program and more recently the Berg Scholars Program,” he added.

Frankovich, who was mentored by Mellins early in her career, continued to rely on her advice as they studied PANS, an abrupt-onset, severe psychiatric condition that is thought to be secondary to post-infectious inflammation.

“Her advice was helpful because it wasn’t just about publishing a novel finding; it was about systematically deciphering a complex condition,” Frankovich said. “She was a realist: She knew that it would be very difficult and complex to prove that PANS was secondary to inflammation.”

She cared about the patients I was telling her about, the parents whose kids were affected and the researchers working on the disease.

One big obstacle to studying PANS was access to the parts of the brain involved — the investigators couldn’t biopsy affected brain regions, for example.

“Betsy said, ‘It will be more work to prove an immune hypothesis because we won’t have tissue,’” Frankovich said. “She helped me figure out the biological principles we needed to prove. And then she supported me all the way through each obstacle. When I came to her with a hypothesis, she would say, ‘We can do this, we can solve it,’ and then she would immediately dive into the next steps.

“All along the way she just cared: She cared about the patients I was telling her about, the parents whose kids were affected and the researchers working on the disease.”

Mellins and her husband loved to host visitors from all over the world, their daughter said, including relatives from the United Kingdom and Israel.

“For a recent wedding anniversary, I made them an innkeeper’s book, an album of notes and pictures from the many people who have stayed with them,” Mendelman said. “She deeply valued human connection and she was so gifted at it; she would connect, and stay connected, with anyone.”

Riding his bicycle past Mellins’ and Mendelman’s home on the Stanford campus, Utz could always tell when they had their grown children, grandchildren or other relatives or friends visiting. “There would be five or six cars parked outside,” he said, chuckling.

Mellins and her husband loved live events, attending theater, sports, jazz concerts and modern dance with equal gusto. They didn’t have a TV; instead, “They went to endless performances all over the Bay Area,” Lisa Mendelman said. “Her vision of a balanced life included all of these humanistic things.”

Mellins also loved to read and stayed up to date on contemporary art and literature, deriving great pleasure from finding exactly the right book to give a friend or colleague.

“She drove all the way to my house to give me a copy of the brand-new, hot-off-the-press pediatric rheumatology book,” Frankovich said, adding, “I thought, ‘How did you know this was the book I wanted?’”

Mellins is survived by her husband, Paul Mendelman; son, Jeff Mendelman; daughter, Lisa Mendelman (David Jack); stepson, Adam Mendelson (Catherine Wallis); grandchildren, Oscar and Aila Mendelman Jack; brother Tom Mellins (Judy Weinstein); and nephew, Sam Mellins. To contribute to a longer-term recognition of Mellins’ scientific impact, please contact Lisa Mendelman at [email protected].

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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